Suspect wanted in pedestrian hit and run

A man who fled a traffic stop, broke a pedestrian’s leg, and fled on foot is wanted by police and investigators are looking for the public’s help.

The incident happened about 8:45 a.m. when a motorcycle officer stopped gold-colored Chrysler in the 1200 block of Third Avenue for violating peak hour restrictions. The traffic stop was conducted in the second northbound lane of Third Avenue, immediately south of University Street.

The driver – described as a black man in his early 20s, about 6 feet tall with short afro style hair – failed to produce any kind of identification, registration, or insurance, police said.

“Before further action could be taken, the vehicle abruptly pulled northbound into the intersection and made a turn onto University Street from the wrong lane, against a circular red traffic signal,” Detective Renee Witt said in a statement. “The vehicle struck a pedestrian crossing Third Avenue eastbound along the intersection’s southern marked crosswalk during this turning movement. The pedestrian suffered a broken right leg as a result of this collision.”

A Sheriff’s deputy followed the Chrysler for several blocks through downtown Seattle before losing sight of it. It was found unoccupied in the alley between First and Second Avenues, immediately south of Virginia Street. The suspect driver was last seen running eastbound from the 100 block of Stewart Street.

Police have asked anyone with information about this suspect and or collision is asked to call 911.